How Long Do People
Stay on TRT?

How Long Do People Stay on TRT?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) aims to restore testosterone levels. But, just how long do people stay on TRT? Find out here.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics, as well as the maintenance of overall health.

However, testosterone levels can decline as a person ages, leading to various symptoms, including decreased libido, fatigue, and muscle weakness.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment that involves the administration of testosterone to individuals with low levels of the hormone.

The goal of TRT is to restore testosterone levels to the normal range, which is typically between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. There are different types of TRT, including injections, patches, gels, and pellets.¹

How long do people stay on TRT? We will explore this question as we learn more about it.

Who Needs TRT?

Men will turn to TRT for a variety of different reasons, including:

Decreased Vibrancy Due to Age

After the age of 40, men’s testosterone levels begin to decline. This can lead to men feeling less like themselves – less vibrant, energetic, and alert.

Men with low testosterone (T) will often experience decreased libido, fewer erections, loss of hair, erectile dysfunction, low bone mineral density, depression, lack of sleep, inability to concentrate, swollen/tender breasts, increased body fat, fatigue, and more.

Men who want to feel like their younger, best-selves once more, and experience improved confidence and functioning will often turn to TRT.

Hypogonadism

Additionally, for those diagnosed with hypogonadism, a medical condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, TRT is recommended.

Hypogonadism can be caused by aging, injury to the testicles, or a medical condition.

Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, and depression.

INCREASED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

In addition to medical uses, TRT is also used recreationally, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders. These individuals may use TRT to increase muscle mass, improve athletic performance, and enhance physical appearance.

If used recreationally, how long do people stay on TRT? The use of TRT for these purposes is controversial and potentially dangerous.

Is TRT a Safe and Effective Treatment Option?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an FDA-approved treatment for a medical condition called “hypogonadism,” where the testes produce inadequate amounts of testosterone leading to adverse health effects.

When TRT is taken under the guidance of a licensed medical professional and with proper blood work monitoring, it is considered safe and effective in providing sustained benefits for long-term users.

Benefits of TRT

Besides increasing low testosterone levels, the benefits of TRT include improvements in body composition and muscle mass, which may also offer additional metabolic protection from chronic disease.²

Potential Risks

However, as with any therapy, there are potential risks that can be managed, such as monitoring for rises in hematocrit and screening for potential prostate cancer every six months.

How long do people stay on TRT? Long-term use should be monitored. There are potential side effects to keep in mind.

Potential Side Effects of TRT

While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be effective in treating hypogonadism, it also carries potential risks and side effects that should be considered before starting treatment.³

These side effects include:

Increasing the likelihood of sleep apnea and worsening existing sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts
Skin reactions such as acne or rash
Enlarging breast tissue in men (gynecomastia)
Aggravating existing prostate cancer and contributing to noncancerous growth of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Stimulating the body to make too many red blood cells, which increases the risk of blood clots forming and possibly causing a pulmonary embolism
Shrinking testicles and causing temporary sterility
Increased risk of heart disease, although more research is needed to fully understand this potential risk

Working With a Licensed Medical Professional for Optimal Results

How long do people stay on TRT? It is important to discuss any potential side effects with a licensed medical professional before starting TRT and to monitor for any adverse reactions during treatment.

Routine blood work monitoring can help manage potential risks and ensure the safe and effective use of TRT.

How Long Does It Take for TRT to Start Having an Effect on Hormone Levels?

How long do people stay on TRT? The timeline for TRT effects can vary depending on the individual and the type of TRT used.

According to an article on the Harvard Health Publishing, the majority of men typically experience symptom improvement within four to six weeks of starting testosterone replacement therapy.

However, certain changes such as an increase in muscle mass may take anywhere from three to six months to become noticeable.⁴Factors that can influence the onset of TRT effects include age, weight, and overall health.

When Will the Impacts of TRT Become Noticable?

Here are some approximate timelines from a study mentioning when certain effects may become noticeable:⁵

Sexual interest: 3-6 weeks
Erections/ejaculations: Up to 6 months
Quality of life: 3-4 weeks
Depressive mood: 3-30 weeks
Erythropoiesis: 3 months, peaking at 9-12 months
Prostate-specific antigen/volume: Plateaus at 12 months
Lipids: 6-12 months
Insulin sensitivity: Few days to 3-12 months
Fat mass/lean body mass/muscle strength: 12-16 weeks, stabilize at 6-12 months, but can marginally continue over years
Inflammation: 3-12 weeks
Bone density: 6 months to 3 years

How long do people stay on TRT? It’s important to work with a licensed medical professional who can monitor your hormone levels and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

How Long Do People Stay on TRT? What Are The Recommendations?

Guidelines for TRT duration vary, but most experts agree that treatment should be individualized based on the person’s specific needs and medical history.

Generally, TRT is recommended for as long as a person’s testosterone levels remain low and they think TRT is benefiting them.⁶ Research has shown sustained benefits with regular TRT, and many individuals have safely used it for decades.⁷

However, it is important to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of TRT and monitor for any potential risks associated with long-term use.

Should I Discuss TRT With My Doctor?

How long do people stay on TRT? If at any point, an individual feels that TRT is no longer providing the desired benefits or are concerned about the side effects, it is essential to discuss with a medical professional. In some cases, stopping TRT may be the best course of action.

A healthcare provider can help manage the transition and ensure that the testosterone levels return to natural production without complications.

How Often Should Someone Get Their Hormone Levels Checked While Taking TRT?

Again, how long do people stay on TRT? Generally, healthcare providers will monitor hormone levels every three months in the initial year of treatment.

As your body gets adjusted to it and hormone levels remain stable, monitoring may be less frequent and your doctor may evaluate you every six months to ensure that TRT is still an appropriate treatment option.

Immortal Male and TRT

Low testosterone levels can have a significant impact on your life. Immortal Male is an online clinic that offers TRT to help you address low testosterone and maintain a healthy life.

Our licensed medical professionals will evaluate your condition and determine if TRT is the right choice for you.

We encourage you to ask questions and contact us to learn more about how we can help you. Your health and wellbeing are our top priorities.

TRT is Safe to Use

TRT is a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with low testosterone levels. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential risks and monitor for any adverse effects.

How long do people stay on TRT? The timeline for TRT effects can vary, and individuals should be patient and work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Reach Out to Immortal Male for More Information

Regular monitoring of hormone levels is important to ensure the continued effectiveness and safety of TRT.

Ultimately, the goal of TRT is to improve overall health and well-being in individuals with low testosterone levels.

Contact Immortal Male to learn more and get started on TRT today.